Notes & Quotes: Randall McDaniel

Randall McDaniel is the first member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame born in Arizona.

During the off season he frequently visited an elementary school to read to young children.

The day he officially retired from the NFL, he obtained his license to work in elementary education. Today he works with disadvantaged children.

Known to dunk a basketball in full football pads.

Voted to 12 Pro Bowls in his 14-season career. The only two times he was not elected to the Pro Bowl was as a rookie and his final season in 2001. He holds the record for most consecutive starts in the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl series.

Began his college career as a tight end. Was converted to guard during his junior season at Arizona State.

McDaniel’s lone regular season touchdown of his NFL career came in his first year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He caught a two-yard pass from quarterback Shaun King on Sept. 17, 2000.

Became the first offensive lineman to catch a TD pass in Pro Bowl history when he was on the receiving end of a five-yard pass from Brett Favre in the 1997 Pro Bowl. McDaniel lined up as a fullback on the play.

Led the way for Warrick Dunn when he rushed for a career-high 210 yards as the Bucs set a team record for single-game rushing yards (250) against the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 2, 2000.

Was key blocker for the Vikings’ Robert Smith and Leroy Hoard when the established a then-team mark for rushing yards by a tandem (1,666 in 1998).

Quotes…

"He was the ultimate professional and an unbelievable competitor. I am proud to have been in the huddle all those years with him and wish him the best. Randall's greatness on the field is only outdone by what kind of man he is off it." – Cris Carter, Vikings teammate

“He was the best offensive guard I ever saw in my 25 years in pro football. And he was one of the nicest, classiest guys I was ever associated with in football.” – Jerry Burns, former NFL coach

“If you make his bad list, it’s gonna be real, real hard to find your way off that list. And on the other side, if he cares for you, nobody is going to be more loyal.” – Mike Morris Vikings long-snapper

“It truly is a privilege to have been associated with a player and person such as Randall McDaniel; he epitomizes greatness with his superior play, leadership, and his off the field community contributions.” – Gary Zimmerman, Hall of Fame tackle

“I’m just a big kid out there playing this kid’s game—we all are grown men playing a kid’s game, it is funny. But it gives you a lot: the contract, the competition, the people you meet, the travel…I love the travel. I’ve been places I never could have seen without football. I just love the game.” - Randall McDaniel

“People who know me know I don’t stroke people, but if there’s a better offensive line in football, I don’t know where it is…The kid McDaniel, boy, he pulls like a linebacker. He’s probably the quickest guard in football.” - Howie Long, Hall of Fame defensive end.